VMWare VProbes (dtrace for all)

Keith Adams has an intriguing post about VMWare vprobes:

VProbes attempts to provide a set of tools for answering the question, "What the heck is this computer doing?" It's an open-ended question, so vprobes is accordingly open-ended, as well. In its current form, it provides an interactive, safe way of instrumenting a running VM at any level: from user-level processes down to the kernel, and even into VMware's VMM and hypervisor, if need be.

First, we are aiming to provide a Dtrace-like tool for other commercially important operating systems than Solaris. Second, VProbes can combine with other virtualization-based techniques in powerful ways. For example, VProbes and deterministic replay combine to make the most potent tool that I'm aware of for debugging intermittent performance anomalies.

Cheap Mac Software

I finally broke down and bought one of the Mac Heist bundles for $49. Although there has been some grumbling that Mac Heist is ripping off indie software developers, they entered into the deal of their own volition and it lets users get software at a good price. A portion of the sale also goes to charity. With any luck, Textmate will get unlocked (I have a license at work, but not for my personal laptop).

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